Greater Chattanooga Chapter History

October 7, 2011 – National Vice President Tamara Turnley Robinson connected National Chapter Members, Michelle Hellstern and LaTina Wilkins with the goal of re-establishing a chapter in the Chattanooga area. Later that week the two national members and a legacy member (along with her daughter) met to discuss shared interest in forming a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in the Chattanooga area.

December 10, 2011 – A Mothers Interest Tea was held at Blue Orleans Restaurant. NVP Tamara Turnley Robinson and Regional Director Marjorie Mitchell met with the interest group by invitation of Michelle Hellstern to review the process and answer questions. Mothers were enthusiastic and interest group activities and events were planned and executed.

March 19, 2012, National Vice President Tamara Turnley Robinson recommended and the National Executive Board voted to approve the request of the Greater Chattanooga Interest Group to become a Provisional Group of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Nineteen (19) mothers submitted applications and fees. This approval marked the continued progress of the Greater Chattanooga group in the chapter establishment process. The Williamson County (TN) Chapter was approved as the sponsoring chapter under the leadership of Chapter President Julie Gray. Subsequently, Williamson County Chapter President Lori Breaux-Mitchell, also provided guidance.

May 2013-July 2013 – Greater Chattanooga Provisional Group changed leadership to National member LaTina Wilkins. Under national and regional leadership: National Vice President Tammy King and Regional Director Gail Ash Dotson became very engaged and provided guidance, chapter development timeline and plan. Outreach was made to the community in an effort to grow provisional group membership.

August 24, 2013 – A Mothers Interest Tea was held where the Sponsoring Chapter –Williamson County (TN) Chapter President Lori Breaux-Mitchell, Immediate Past Chapter President Julie Gray and Chapter Vice President Christie Sheats presented on Jack and Jill of America, Inc. There were over 30 interested and enthusiastic mothers in attendance. Provisional group activities were planned and executed.

October 22, 2013 – Additional mother applications were received by National Headquarters and approved by the National Executive Board to be added to provisional group membership.

October 2013-July 2014 – Greater Chattanooga hosted educational workshops, children activities, family events, and business meetings; and attended Regional Conferences, Mothers Workday, Children Clusters and Teen Conference in our quest to become a Jack and Jill Of America, Inc.

August 1, 2014 – Greater Chattanooga National Convention Travel team: President, LaTina Wilkins; Recording Secretary, Latonya Mahlahla and Editor, LaTrice Tucker presented at the 41st National Convention of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held in Charlotte, NC. The Greater Chattanooga Provisional Group was voted and approved by the convention delegates to become the Greater Chattanooga Provisional Chapter.